How Much Does It Cost To Replace A Toilet (UK – 2025)?
SUMMARY
Which Trade would normally do this: Plumber
Average time to complete the job: 2 – 4 Hours
Average cost: £300 (Range £200 – £450)
- Material Costs 40%
- Labour Costs 45%
- Disposal Costs 15%
Introduction To The Cost Of Replacing A Toilet
Welcome to our comprehensive guide on the cost of replacing a toilet. When it comes to upgrading or renovating your bathroom, replacing the toilet is a significant decision that can greatly impact both the functionality and aesthetics of the space. However, estimating the cost of a toilet replacement can be a daunting task, as it involves various factors.
In this article, we will delve into the different elements that influence the cost of toilet replacement, providing you with valuable insights and practical tips to help you make informed decisions while staying within your budget. So, let’s dive in and explore everything you need to know about the cost of replacing a toilet.
What Makes Up The Cost Of Replacing A Toilet?
There are primarily three things that make up the cost of replacing a toilet. These are:
- Cost of the replacement item (in this case a toilet)
- Labour costs
- Disposal costs (the cost of the tradesperson removing and disposing of the unwanted waste at the end of the job)
Cost Of The Replacement Toilet
This part of the cost of replacing a toilet can vary because the costs of different types of toilets varies hugely. Let’s look at a few examples:
Close coupled toilet – ths is the most common type of toilet where the cistern (or tank) is directly attached and sits on top of the toilet bowl. The cistern and bowl are typically bolted together, creating a single unit. These are on average £120 to buy, although cheaper and more expensive makes are available.
Hidden cistern – this is where only the toilet pan is visible and the cistern is hidden behind a wall. These are more expensive than the close coupled toilets, but are being chosen more frequently now due to their better asthetic qualities. These are on average £245.
High-level cistern – this traditional style toilet features a raised cistern mounted high on the wall, with a long flush pipe connecting it to the toilet bowl. High-level toilets are known for their vintage charm and are often chosen for period or Victorian-style bathrooms. On average you will pay £300 for these.
Low-level cistern – these are similar to high-level toilets in that they have a separate cistern, but it is positioned lower on the wall, usually directly above or behind the toilet bowl. Low-level toilets are a popular choice for bathrooms that want a traditional aesthetic but have space limitations. These are on average £175.
There are some other, less common, types of toilets that are more expensive.
Labour Costs of Replacing a Toilet
Labour costs will vary considerably depending on the type of toilet you are looking to install, but also whether you are changing the type of toilet. For example, a high level cistern toilet will take longer to install than a normal close coupled toilet. However, if you already have a high level cistern set-up it won’t take quite so long.
Similarly, if you go from having a close coupled toilet to a hidden cistern system then there will be a lot more work involved.
Hourly rates for plumbers are around £40 – £60. This is for pre-booked work and not emergency call-outs.
On average a toilet replacement will take 2 – 4 hours. So you’re lookin at labour costs of £80 – £240. An average might be £160.
Disposal Costs
Your plumber will need to pay to dispose of waste aftre the job is complete. Expect to pay £50+ for this.
Additional Costs
There may also be the need for additional work such as pipework moving, tiling, decorating etc. That would be on top of the above costs.
Getting a Quote to Replace Your Toilet
It is always best to get quotes from local plumbers if you can. This helps support your local business community, but also means the plumber will not travel as far to get to you.
It is also important to ensure you check reviews and references for plumbers you look to engage to make sure they are rated well for what they do.
Make sure you get 2 or 3 quotes to ensure you are getting the best value for money. You can receive free quotes from local plumbers here.
